Montclair State University ALEKS Math Placement Assessment

ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning

Montclair State University requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 25 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.

 

ALEKS consist of three parts:

  1. An Initial Placement Assessment. 
  2. The ALEKS Prep and Learning Module: A free, individualized, self-paced online review tool that helps students prepare for and improve their scores on math placement assessments. 
  3. Access to an additional Placement Assessment: This is not mandatory, but we recommend that students take it again if they are not satisfied with their initial score and placement. Students get only ONE additional attempt.

Note: Montclair State University encourages all students to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

ALEKS Flow Chart


 What is the purpose of placement assessment?

The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the appropriate classes based on their scores. 

This is a “Placement Assessment,” NOT a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of his/her/their strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush-up on topics they may have forgotten or haven’t practiced for some time. 

Academic Integrity When Taking ALEKS Assessment

Be honest. The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge so that he/she/they will be successful in mathematics courses. Thus, It is important that each student take the  Placement Assessment seriously and make an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There are no benefits to cheating on the Placement Assessment – cheating will only result in a student ending up in a class that is too difficult or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, when you take the assessment it is important that you keep the following expectations in mind to ensure the assessment is completed accurately and fairly:

  • The assessment must be taken in a quiet, distraction-free environment. No other individuals should be present in the space. No background noise should be heard (ex: television, radio, etc.) while you are taking the assessment.
  • Students should avoid leaving the camera view or the assessment window for any reason during the assessment. There are no breaks or leaving the room during the assessment.
  • Students may not use any electronic devices, notes, textbooks, or other materials during the assessment.
  • Students must remain clearly visible on camera at all times.
  • Students may not speak to, consult, or receive assistance from anyone during the assessment.

The ALEKS Placement Assessment is monitored using Respondus Proctoring Services which includes a lockdown browser as well as use of the computer’s web-camera to record the student and their environment. After you complete the assessment, Montclair receives a summary report of the proctoring results. Students flagged for having potentially violated the University Code of Conduct or having engaged in potential violations as described above will have their exam videos reviewed and may have their score voided. Should this occur, students will be required to take the assessment proctored in person, on campus, under direct supervision. Students found to be in violation may also be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University policies.

Here is a link to the  Montclair State University’s honor code.

You should only be taking this assessment if you are a student in the following:

  • College of Science and Mathematics
  • Feliciano School of Business
  • Exercise Science Major
  • Pre-Med Program
  • Biology Major or Informatics Major at Bloomfield College of Montclair State
  • Pre-Major Students in the Discovery Program

Sign up for ALEKS for Montclair State University Incoming Spring/Fall 2026 Cohorts

Please use your official montclair.edu email address.

Score threshold for mathematics courses at Montclair State University

College of Science and Mathematics

  • <61: MATH 100/MATH 108, CHEM 106
  • 61-75: MATH 111 (Precalculus), CHEM120
  • 76-100: MATH 122 (Calculus 1), CHEM120

Bloomfield College

  • <76: BC MTH 161 (Precalculus)
  • >75: BC MTH 221 (Calculus)

FAQs

Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessment, your score is sent to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and make appropriate recommendations for course registration.

Who MUST take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? All students who wish to take courses with a math prerequisite such as MATH 108, MATH 111, MATH 122, AMAT 120, BC MTH 161, BC MTH 221 must take the placement assessment. This includes ALL students majoring or minoring in a program housed in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM), students who are in University College and students in the Health, Medicine, and Sciences Discovery Track or the Business, Math, and Technology Discovery Track. Students in the School of Business who are required to take INFO 240 must also take this assessment. A list of courses that have math prerequisites and require the placement assessment is provided in the section below titled “PLACEMENT RESULTS.” Bloomfield College students who are pursuing a major in Biology or Informatics must take the assessment.

Who does not have to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? Exemption from the Placement Assessment is as follows:

Montclair Campus

  1. Students who have taken AP Calculus in high school and scored 4 or 5 on the AP exam are exempt from the ALEKS PPL Assessment. These students will be placed into a course beyond Calculus 1. 
  2. Students who have taken AP Precalculus in high school and score a 4 or 5 on the AP Exam are exempt from taking MATH 111 and will be placed in Calculus 1.
  3. Students currently taking the AP Calculus or regular Calculus course, whose grades are not yet available, should take the placement test and then submit the final course grades/AP scores to be appropriately moved if needed.

Bloomfield Campus

  1. Students who have taken AP Calculus in high school and scored 4 or 5 on the AP exam are exempt from the ALEKS PPL Assessment. These students will be placed into MTH200 and/or MTH332. 
  2. Students who have taken AP Precalculus in high school and score a 4 or 5 on the AP exam are exempt from taking MTH161 and will be placed in Calculus 1.

All other students must take the placement assessment. We do, however, strongly recommend that ALL students create an account on ALEKS so they can take advantage of the free Prep and Learning modules.

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? It is highly recommended that students take the placement assessment as soon as they are admitted. This will help advisors place you into the right math course. The ALEKS account allows Prep and Learning Modules to be used to improve the assessment score before taking the assessment a second time. We also suggest that the student takes the recommended math course soon after completing  the assessment so the material is still fresh. 

Are ALEKS PPL Assessments proctored? Yes. The assessment will be proctored online. This option uses remote proctoring software, which includes a webcam scan of the testing area and continuous recording of all activity throughout the exam. You are not permitted to seek external help during the assessment (like friends, family, books, websites, phone, AI apps, etc.). 

Where can I take my Placement Assessment? The assessment can be taken online; we suggest that students find a quiet space with stable WiFi connection. It is best to take the assessment on a computer so the questions and the ALEKS calculator are conveniently visible and large for use.  The link to the assessment page can be found below in the section titled “TAKING THE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT.” 

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL? The cost of the assessment is covered by Montclair State University so you do not have to pay for it. 

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment? No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required for your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties taking your Placement Assessment.  For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their support site: http://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements

What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment? ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad range of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at Montclair State University. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

Topics covered:

  • Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
  • Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
  • Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
  • Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
  • Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
  • Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment? ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS? ALEKS is NOT a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS? ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

May I use any other resources during a Placement Assessment? You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure. It is a violation of the institution’s honor code.

Can I review a question after I’ve answered it? No. Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.

What if I see questions I don’t know?  It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, “I don’t know.” On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to try your best. “I don’t know” is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment; it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.

Are Placement Assessments timed? Yes. The system will allow you to access your Placement Assessment for 3 hours. If you need to exit the Placement Assessment for any reason, you will be able to log back in and pick up where you left off.

What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time? You will be given a placement result, but it will not be a true reflection of your abilities. If this is your first try, then we encourage you to take the assessment a second time, after preparing for the retake by using the Prep and Learning Modules.

I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin? Please click the “Sign Up” button above to get started.

What is my placement result? Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. 

The table below gives the course placement based on the assessment scores. 

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

COURSE # - Course Name - ALEKS Score Range
MATH100 - College Algebra - 0-60
MATH108, CHEM106 - Transition to College Math - 0-60
MATH111, CHEM120 - Precalculus - 61-75
MATH122, AMAT120, CHEM120 - Calculus I - 76-100

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE OF MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY 

COURSE # - Course Name - ALEKS Score Range
MTH161 - Precalculus - 0-75
MTH221C - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I - 76-100

Where can I see my score? You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.

How long is my placement result valid? Your placement result is valid for up to 4 years.

What if I do not place into the course I wanted? This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the Initial Placement Assessment. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on lost knowledge. 

I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway? No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

Which math course is required for my program? Please visit the  Montclair State University catalog website to find your desired major to see what the math requirements are. We suggest that you also speak to an advisor to review and confirm the requirements for your major. 

What if I placed into the class I wanted? Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success in the classroom. The placement result required is the minimum preparation for your course. Take advantage of ALEKS’s individualized review and learning features to get a better grade in your class.

Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment? Yes. You may take up to 2  Placement Assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessment attempts so that you can improve your skills. You must complete 8 hours of  Prep and Learning Module work  before you will be permitted a second Placement Assessment attempt. You can find more information about this in the section on the Prep and Learning Module. 

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately? No. You must wait 48 hours between Placement Assessments AND complete  the eight hours of Prep and Learning Module work. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.

The ALEKS Prep and Learning Module is a free online tool that helps students prepare for and improve their scores on math placement assessments. It can also be  used to prepare for future math courses. The ALEKS account gives students a year of access to various review materials and practice problems on the topics covered in the assessment, which are listed in the “Preparation” section. 

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module? You will have one year of access to your Prep and Learning module from the time you sign up on ALEKS. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module? No. Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.

Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments? Yes. You can retake the Placement Assessment up to two times to improve your score. (The highest score will be used for math placement). In order to increase chances of success, students are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for eight hours prior to taking the second Placement Assessment.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks? While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you learned in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.  

Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement? No. Only Placement Assessments will affect your placement results. You must complete a new Placement Assessment to change your placement result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement Assessment.

Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later? No. You may use only one Prep and Learning Module. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS or consult with your advisor.

What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I’m taking the Placement Assessment? Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the Placement Assessment exactly where you left off.  Your previous answers will not be lost.

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

ALEKS Technical Support

http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement